"By the way, you have never told me—do you know how to use a tooth brush?——"
"To shine the brass?"
"They use them also for other things—I want a candelabrum on the table and have the candlesticks polished. Now for the menu—No, I forgot the flowers. You will find them in the basket that came from Bar-le-Duc with the provisions—Where was I?"
"The menu, lieutenant."
"Ah, yes. Appetizers—four or five different kinds—oysters, tomato soup, grilled sole, chicken fricassée—your specialty—goose livers and romaine salad, fruit, dessert, coffee.
"Wine! The best that père Louis has left us—with the goose livers, the champagne—with coffee my prune brandy, but be ready and if I call you be prompt. A roaring fire on the hearth—Good!"
"Lieutenant, I do not believe that will be enough—I would serve a steak before the chicken——"
At the appointed time we go to search for Colonels Peigné and Benoit, who have not left the cellars in the Citadel since the beginning of the offensive, that is to say for three weeks—and they underwent a nerve-racking siege of it——
We brought them through the city and then "home" by the Rue-sur-l'eau. During the meal we thanked them several times for having accepted our modest repast so graciously.